Tattoos and gender - are there “masculine” and “feminine” designs?

Tattooing is an art form, but also a way of expressing oneself - one's history, identity, emotions. Although it would seem that the choice of design is an individual matter, for years there has been a division in the industry between “masculine” and “feminine” designs. But does this still make sense today? Let's find out!

From this article you will find out:

• where the distinction between "masculine" and "feminine" tattoos comes from,
• whether such a division still makes sense in the modern world,
• how the approach to the choice of tattoo design has changed,
• what should really decide what you wear on your skin,
• why today a tattoo is above all a form of personal freedom and expression.

There will be a bit about history, a bit about stereotypes - and a lot about freedom of choice ✨

Where did “male” and “female” tattoos come from?

Until 20-30 years ago, tattooing in Poland was mainly associated with masculinity. The image of a tough guy with a tattoo on his arm - a wolf, a skull, a tribal - was the norm. Women tattooed less frequently, and if they did, they chose “safe” and “pretty” designs: small butterflies, Latin inscriptions, flowers. Tattoos were often covered up - they were meant to be an accessory, not a manifesto.

This division stemmed from a culture that had long had a rigid framework: male = strength, female = delicacy. And tattoos - as a form of expression - fitted into these clichés. Until.

Today: a tattoo has no gender. It has a history.

Today's tattoo culture is a completely different tale. Today we don't ask ‘is this design feminine?’, we ask ‘does it fit me?’. And this is the most important change.

For many people, tattooing is:

• a form of artistic expression,
• a way to tell their own story,
• a tool for building self-confidence,
• therapy and healing their relationship with their own body.

It doesn't matter if it's a bouquet of roses, a wolf, a geometric sleeve or a micro-pattern behind the ear - each of these motifs can have its own power and meaning, regardless of the gender of the person who wears it.

Do designs have energy?

Instead of talking about the “masculinity” or “femininity” of tattoos, some tattooists talk about the energy of the design. And here one can indeed notice certain tendencies:

• soft, flowing, organic, pastel patterns - often associated with feminine energy,
• sharp, contrasting, geometric, massive patterns - more often seen as ‘masculine’.

But! This doesn't mean you have to stick to these categories. Sometimes it's the breaking of the pattern that gives the most satisfaction.

Gender does not determine what you are “allowed” to have on your skin

Today, tattooing is a tool of freedom. Want a realistic portrait of your grandmother on your thigh? Do it. Dream of a pink dragon on the back of your neck? Bring it on. Fancy a biomechanical style sleeve? Why not!

The most important questions to ask yourself before choosing a pattern are:

• does this pattern mean something to me?
• do I feel good about it?
• is it really mine and not something someone suggested to me?

Tattoos don't divide - tattoos unite

Interestingly, more and more people are consciously choosing designs that are “gender neutral” - symbolic, abstract, based on emotions rather than stereotypes. It is just as common to see women with huge black sleeves as it is to see men with subtle tattoos with a lavender motif.

What was once “daring” is now becoming simply .... normal. And that is a beautiful thing.

Summary

A tattoo should not be a restriction or a frame - quite the opposite. It is a tool that gives you freedom. Don't ask "can I have this design. Ask: is this me? If yes - let the ink speak for itself.

And when you have taken that most important step, remember: a well-groomed knit is a beautiful knit. Our butters, oils and creams are for everyone - whatever you carry inside you and on your skin💜